Currency conversion is the process of exchanging one currency for another at the prevailing exchange rate. In forex, exchange rates fluctuate continuously based on supply and demand, economic data, and geopolitical events.
The exchange rate represents how much of the quote currency is needed to buy one unit of the base currency. For EUR/USD at 1.0847, one euro costs $1.0847.
When converting currencies, the bid-ask spread represents the cost of the transaction. The bid price is what you receive when selling, and the ask price is what you pay when buying.
Cross rates are exchange rates between two currencies that are both not the US dollar. These are derived from each currency's rate against the dollar.
For international transfers and travel, always compare rates across providers. The interbank rate shown on forex platforms represents the wholesale rate, while retail rates include a markup.